2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$40,860 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between massive space and efficient savings is a classic crossover dilemma. If your budget is tight, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers fantastic value, starting at just $30,920 compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's higher entry price of $40,860. This nearly $10,000 saving is significant. However, the Grand Highlander provides substantially more capability; it boasts 265 horsepower versus the CR-V's 190 hp. While the CR-V wins on the pump with a 30 combined MPG rating, the larger Toyota only achieves 24 combined MPG. Interestingly, despite its larger exterior (201.4 inches long), the CR-V surprisingly offers more usable space with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cu ft in the trunk area described. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize brute interior volume and power or better fuel economy and a lower initial cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a larger overall size, implying more passenger flexibility, despite the provided cargo figures.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander is the enthusiast choice because its 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque vastly outperform the CR-V's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers better value, starting at $30,920, a full $9,940 less than the Grand Highlander.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You need the extra muscle provided by 265 horsepower for highway merging or towing.
You prefer the traditional feel and quicker shifts of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Your top priority is maximizing passenger or interior volume (assuming it's a true 3-row competitor despite limited cargo specs).

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Keeping the initial purchase price under $31,000 is essential, saving you $9,940 upfront.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the CR-V delivers 30 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 24 MPG.
You need deep cargo space, as the CR-V offers a generous 39.3 cubic feet.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Honda CR-V
Length	201.4"	184.8"
Width	78.3"	73.5"
Height	70.1"	66.2"
Wheelbase	116.1"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	392.0/462.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Diameter	18 in	17 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Honda CR-V.

Is the significant power difference between the two noticeable in daily driving?

Absolutely; the Grand Highlander boasts 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it a major advantage over the CR-V's 190 hp. This means the Toyota will feel much quicker when accelerating onto the freeway or passing other vehicles.

How much more practical is the 2026 Honda CR-V for hauling stuff, given the listed cargo specs?

The CR-V actually lists significantly more base cargo volume, offering 39.3 cubic feet compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet. This suggests the CR-V's smaller exterior shape is optimized for deep storage behind the second row.

If I commute daily, which vehicle will save me more money at the pump?

The Honda CR-V is the clear winner for fuel savings, achieving a 30 combined MPG rating. Driving the CR-V instead of the Grand Highlander (24 combined MPG) could save you considerable money over the course of a year.

Is the $9,940 price difference between the two models justified by the Grand Highlander’s specs?

The price gap reflects major upgrades in performance; the Grand Highlander offers 75 more horsepower and a larger footprint. However, if you don't need the extra power or size, that nearly $10,000 savings with the CR-V is hard to ignore.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is tailored for enthusiasts due to its 310 lb-ft of torque and 8-speed automatic transmission. The CR-V uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes efficiency over spirited performance.

How do the overall exterior dimensions compare between the two?

The Grand Highlander is noticeably larger overall, measuring 201.4 inches long and 78.3 inches wide. The CR-V is considerably more compact at 184.8 inches long and 73.5 inches wide, making the Honda easier to maneuver and park in tight city spots.